Plants &
Processes
Getting a Handle on
Anilox Roll Inventory
troubleshooting Determines audits,
Measurements & controls are essential
By Bill Malm
Can you recall purchasing an anilox roll with engraving
specifications requested by one of your operators?
How about one for a new coating to meet a specific
customer’s needs? Maybe, you have changed ink suppliers
or decided on a different plate material since initial anilox
specifications were chosen. The number of anilox rolls in
inventory increases over time, and so does the variability. This
variability can, and will, affect the bottom line.
Printers often ask for help in getting a handle on their anilox
roll inventory. That immediately prompts a series of questions
that address the most common indicators of an unmanaged
anilox inventory. Specifically:
• How much of your overall press downtime is related to
color matching at press?
• Is this time due to reformulating inks at press, swapping
anilox rolls to achieve desired color strength or until you
locate the roll with the least amount of damage to the
surface?
• Do you have a way to check on your anilox condition?
• Have any variables been changed?
• Which variables are under control?
The problem may stem from a lack of documentation con-
cerning current volume and overall condition of anilox rolls. For
example; one might have a downtime code that encompasses
too many potential variables. That said, step one is to get a
handle on anilox condition. What does the anilox roll inventory
look like? This can easily be answered with a roll audit that will
determine the current/actual cell volume of each roll in inven-
tory. Actual volume is what really matters, and is much more
useful to a press operator than the original stamped volume, as
MINIMIZE VARIABLES,
IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES
• Problems may stem from a lack of documentation
concerning current volume and overall condition
• An audit should include comments related to any physi-
cal damage to the engraved surface such as: score
lines, dings, scratches, chipped ends, blisters, etc.
• Anilox standardization programs must offer consis-
tent, repeatable, and reliable measurements
• Awareness is key. Everyone who handles a roll has
the potential to damage the roll, so it is very impor-
tant that all parties involved understand the need for
proper care and handling
Documentation of current condition and overall volume of an anilox roll is essential.
Photos: HarperGraphic solutions.
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FLEXO
DeceMBer
2011 www.flexography.org